Technology Mission in Agriculture

What are Technology Missions?

Technology Missions are focussed initiatives to drive attention towards developing a particular field. Integration of modern technology plays a crucial role in Technology Missions.

Technology Mission have clearly defined objectives, scope and implementation of timelines. They are also characterised by measurable outcomes and service levels with the help of technological advancements in a particular assigned sector.

In 1987, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi along with his advisor Sam Pitroda initiated Technology Missions. The initial Technological Mission would focus on five critical areas which included

• Drinking water
• Immunization
• Literacy
• Oil seeds
• Telecommunications.

Technology Missions in Agriculture

1. Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses, and Maize (TMOPM)

• This mission was launched in India in 1986 with the aim of increasing the production of oilseeds, pulses, and maize to reduce the country’s dependence on imports of edible oils and meet the growing demand for food.
• The mission had four main objectives:
  • Increase production and productivity of oilseeds, pulses, and maize through the use of modern technologies and better farm practices.
  • Increase the availability of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers at affordable prices.
  • Develop post-harvest technologies to reduce losses and increase the shelf life of produce.
  • Promote research and development in the field of oilseeds, pulses, and maize to improve their quality and yield.

2. National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

• National Oilseeds Mission (NOM) in 1986 with the goal of increasing the production of oilseeds in India. The mission was later restructured as the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) in 2014 with the addition of oil palm cultivation to its objectives.
• The main objectives of the mission are to
  • Increase oilseed production to reduce the dependence on imports of edible oils and to meet the growing demand for edible oils in the country.
  • Increase the productivity of oilseeds through the adoption of modern technologies, better farm practices, and the development of high-yielding varieties.
  • Develop post-harvest technologies to reduce losses and increase the shelf life of oilseeds and oil palm fruits.
  • Promote research and development in the field of oilseeds and oil palm to improve their quality and yield.

3. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

• NMSA is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2010 with the aim of promoting sustainable agriculture practices and increasing the resilience of agriculture to climate change.
• The main objectives of the mission are to:
  • Increase the productivity of crops while ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.
  • Promote climate-resilient agriculture practices that help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change.
  • Promote soil health management through the adoption of integrated nutrient management, organic farming, and conservation agriculture practices.
  • Develop value chains for agricultural products to increase farmers’ income and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

4. National Livestock Mission

• It is a central government initiative launched in 2014 with the objective of improving livestock productivity, increasing the income of livestock farmers, and promoting sustainable development of the livestock sector in India.
• The mission has four main components:
  • Livestock development: The mission aims to promote the adoption of modern technologies for livestock rearing, breeding, and disease control, and increase the availability of quality feed and fodder.
  • Livestock health: The mission seeks to improve animal health by promoting vaccination, disease surveillance, and control measures, and establishing veterinary hospitals and clinics in remote areas.
  • Capacity building: The mission aims to train farmers and livestock service providers in modern livestock management practices, veterinary care, and entrepreneurship.
  • Market access: The mission seeks to promote market-led livestock development by establishing market infrastructure, linking farmers to markets, and promoting value-added livestock products.

5. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture 

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2014 with the aim of promoting holistic growth of the horticulture sector in the country.
• The main objectives of the Mission are as follows:
  • Enhance horticulture production and productivity to meet the growing demand for fruits, vegetables, and flowers in the country.
  • Promote diversification of crops to increase farmers’ income and reduce the risk of crop failure.
  • Promote post-harvest management and value addition to reduce losses and increase income for farmers.
  • Promote export of horticultural produce to generate foreign exchange and increase farmers’ income.
  • Develop infrastructure for the development of the horticulture sector, including cold storage facilities, packhouses, and market linkages.
  • Promote capacity building and entrepreneurship in the horticulture sector.

6. National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP)

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2014 with the aim of promoting the development of the food processing industry in the country.
• The main objectives of the mission are to:
  • Increase the value addition to agricultural and horticultural produce
  • through the development of the food processing industry.
  • Create employment opportunities in the food processing industry, particularly in rural areas.
  • Promote the development of modern and efficient food processing infrastructure, including cold chain, storage, and transportation facilities.
  • Promote research and development in the food processing industry to improve the quality and safety of processed food.
  • Promote the export of processed food products to generate foreign exchange.

7. Technology Mission on Cotton

• The Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2000 with the aim of promoting sustainable and profitable cotton cultivation in the country.
• The main objectives of the mission are to:
  • Increase the productivity and profitability of cotton cultivation.
  • Promote the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly cotton cultivation practices.
  • Promote research and development in the cotton sector to improve the quality and yield of cotton.
  • Promote capacity building and entrepreneurship in the cotton sector.

8. Jute Technology Mission

• The Jute Technology Mission (JTM) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015 with the aim of promoting the jute sector in the country.
• The main objectives of the mission are to:
  • Increase the productivity and quality of raw jute through the adoption of modern jute cultivation practices.
  • Promote research and development in the jute sector to improve the quality and value of jute products.
  • Promote capacity building and entrepreneurship in the jute sector.
  • Promote the use of jute as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.

9. Technology Mission on Coconut 

• The Technology Mission on Coconut (TMC) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2014 with the aim of promoting sustainable and profitable coconut cultivation in the country.
• The main objectives of the mission are to:
  • Increase the productivity and profitability of coconut cultivation.
  • Promote the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly coconut cultivation practices.
  • Promote research and development in the coconut sector to improve the quality and yield of coconut.
  • Promote capacity building and entrepreneurship in the coconut sector.

10. National Saffron Mission

• The National Saffron Mission (NSM) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2010 with the aim of promoting the cultivation of saffron in the country.
• The main objectives of the mission are to:
  • Increase the production and productivity of saffron in the country.
  • Promote the adoption of improved cultivation practices for saffron.
  • Promote the conservation and sustainable use of saffron genetic resources.
  • Promote capacity building and entrepreneurship in the saffron sector.

How have Technology Missions benefitted Agriculture?

• First, productivity has increased as a result of the adoption of cutting-edge technologies by farmers thanks to technological missions. This has aided in supplying the nation’s rising food needs.
• Second, the missions have concentrated on enhancing the quality of agricultural products, which will raise farmers’ profitability. Additionally, this has improved the ability of Indian agricultural products to be exported.
• Third, agriculture that is environmentally friendly and sustainable has been encouraged by technology missions. As a result, less toxic chemicals are now used in agriculture and natural resources like soil and water are being conserved.
• Fourth, the missions have emphasised entrepreneurship and capacity building in the agricultural industry, which has resulted in the establishment of new job possibilities and raised farmer incomes.
• Fifth, due to the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for the first the total production of agricultural crops has surpassed the food grain production.
• Sixth, these technology missions have helped India to enter foreign markets and as a result helped in increasing India’s agricultural export to other countries. e.g Indian Saffron sales have increased in West Asia and Europe.

Reasons for the limited success of Technology Missions

• In India still, there is a gap between farm and lab. Farmers are still not aware of the modern technologies in agriculture as well as various initiatives taken by the government.
• Most of the Missions focussed on specialisation and lacked integration of SHG, NGOs and Panchayati Raj Institutions in the implementation of various programs.
• Small and Marginal farmers are financially constrained as a result they fail to fully take advantage of the benefits offered by these technology missions.
• Inadequate Infrastructure has seriously constrained the efficacy of these technology missions. Lack of availability of Cold Storage has discouraged farmers from growing perishable items like fruits and vegetables.

Way Forward

First, encourage the implementation of digital technologies like blockchain, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture in order to maximise resource utilisation, improve crop yields, and cut down on waste.

Second, empower smallholder farmers by creating and implementing cutting-edge technology that address the particular difficulties they encounter, such as gaining access to loans, markets, and information.

Third, improve soil health by concentrating on technologies like crop rotation, cover crops, soil testing, and organic agricultural methods. This will increase the agricultural system’s resistance to climate change, increase crop yields, and lower input costs.

Fourth, encourage cooperation between the public and private sectors and between research institutes in order to co-create and commercialise cutting-edge technologies that cater to the needs of farmers.

Fifth, promote capacity building by investing in programmes that give farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders the skills and information they need to adopt and utilise new technology.

Last, focus on sustainability,create and spread technologies that aid in integrated pest control, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry, among other sustainable agricultural practises.